Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria have reported a combined consumer expenditure of N2.53 trillion on voice and data services in the first half of 2025, reflecting the country’s increasing reliance on mobile connectivity amid rising digital adoption and inflationary pressures.
The figures, drawn from financial disclosures by the two telcos for the period spanning January to June 2025, represent a significant jump from the same period in 2024, underlining the strong and growing demand for mobile communication services across Nigeria.
According to the reports:
- MTN Nigeria accounted for N1.76 trillion in revenue from voice and data services alone, with data revenue contributing nearly 58% of that figure.
- Airtel Nigeria, the second-largest operator, posted N770 billion in combined voice and data earnings for the same period, with a similar tilt toward data usage.
Data Demand Soars Amid Lifestyle Shifts
Industry analysts attribute the surge to the increased cost of data and voice plans, growing demand for high-speed internet, the explosion of digital platforms, remote work, online education, and social media consumption.
“More Nigerians now rely heavily on their mobile phones not just for calls, but for streaming, online banking, remote work, and business operations,” said telecom analyst, Bola Oladimeji, of Tech Insight Africa. “This means that even in the face of economic hardship, data has become a non-negotiable expense.”
MTN’s H1 2025 report highlighted that over 41 million subscribers used 4G or 5G services during the period, while Airtel reported a 14% increase in data traffic compared to H1 2024. Both companies also saw a sharp rise in average revenue per user (ARPU), indicating that customers are spending more on telecom services despite wider economic constraints.
Naira Devaluation and Inflation Play Key Role
The sharp devaluation of the naira earlier in the year, coupled with rising inflation (which hit 29.3% in June 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics), has also driven up the nominal cost of telecom services.
“Even though data plans have remained relatively affordable compared to global standards, exchange rate volatility has increased the operational costs for telecom companies, and part of that burden is passed on to subscribers,” said financial analyst Amaka Eze.
The Central Bank’s liberalized forex policy and removal of fuel subsidies have also indirectly contributed to higher operating costs across all sectors — including telecom — making price hikes inevitable.
Revenue Breakdown and Usage Trends
Further analysis of the financial statements shows the following:
- MTN Nigeria:
- Data revenue: N1.02 trillion
- Voice revenue: N740 billion
- SMS and other services: N110 billion
- Subscriber base: 78.8 million active data users
- Airtel Nigeria:
- Data revenue: N455 billion
- Voice revenue: N315 billion
- Subscriber base: 44.5 million data users
Together, MTN and Airtel serve over 120 million active subscribers, representing the lion’s share of Nigeria’s estimated 223 million mobile subscribers.
Rural Connectivity Still Lags Behind
While urban and semi-urban areas continue to enjoy expanded 4G and 5G coverage, rural parts of Nigeria still suffer from poor or non-existent connectivity, raising concerns about the digital divide and unequal access to information and economic opportunities.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently announced new infrastructure expansion policies to encourage broadband access in rural areas, but stakeholders say more urgent investment is needed.
“Revenue is increasing, but so is inequality in access. The telcos must balance profits with inclusive service delivery,” said Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights organization.
Government Eyes Higher Tax Revenue
With telcos reporting such impressive revenue, there is speculation that the Federal Government may soon review telecom taxation policies, particularly with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) struggling to meet its targets in other sectors. There have already been discussions around implementing new digital service taxes and adjusting the Telecom Service Levy (TSL).
Outlook for Second Half of 2025
Looking ahead, both MTN and Airtel forecast even higher earnings in the second half of 2025, driven by:
- Increased smartphone penetration
- The rollout of 5G in more cities
- More demand for streaming, fintech, and online education platforms
- Further naira devaluation pressures
However, the challenge remains in maintaining affordability for subscribers amid economic strain.
In a statement, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola reaffirmed the company’s commitment to network expansion and service improvement:
“We recognize the vital role that connectivity plays in the lives of Nigerians. We will continue investing in infrastructure to deliver reliable and affordable service, even in hard-to-reach areas.”
Similarly, Airtel Nigeria pledged to deepen broadband access and introduce cheaper bundled packages tailored for low-income users.
Conclusion
The N2.53 trillion spent by Nigerian subscribers on voice and data in just six months signals both a booming telecom industry and the evolving digital habits of the Nigerian populace. But it also raises questions about affordability, access, and long-term sustainability in a country still grappling with widespread poverty and infrastructural deficits.
As digital life becomes more embedded in Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, the pressure mounts on telecom providers — and government regulators — to ensure no one is left behind.
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